Frank Barber, an attorney representing New Iberia businessman Dr. Adel Malahmeh, is deeply concerned about the impact of a recent surge of robberies on his client’s properties. Malahmeh owns nearly 90 buildings across Iberia Parish and surrounding parishes, but his businesses have become the target of a specific crime – the theft of A/C unit condensers for the copper inside them.
The perpetrators are selling the stolen copper for quick cash, leading to a cycle of thefts and replacements that Malahmeh finds unsustainable. Despite filing an incident report with the New Iberia Police, Malahmeh feels that more could be done to address the issue and prevent further thefts.
According to Barber, the theft of copper from A/C units has resulted in tens of thousands of dollars in damages. The perpetrators are leaving behind significant damages and causing financial losses for Malahmeh’s businesses. This trend has forced him to repeatedly replace the stolen units, leading to additional costs and inconvenience.
Malahmeh is worried about the impact on his customers, particularly as the summer heat in Louisiana can be intense. He fears that the lack of air conditioning in his buildings may drive away customers, affecting his business in the long run. Barber emphasizes that effective collaboration between law enforcement and businesses is necessary to address this issue effectively and protect the community from such crimes.
Despite these challenges, Malahmeh remains committed to providing a comfortable environment for his customers and patients. He hopes for a resolution to this problem soon so that he can continue to serve his community without interruption.
In conclusion, Dr. Adel Malahmeh faces a crisis as a surge of robberies at his properties threatens to drive away customers. The theft of A/C unit condensers for their copper content has resulted in significant damages and financial losses for his businesses. As an immigrant from the Middle East who built his success from scratch, he is deeply concerned about maintaining a comfortable environment for customers while also addressing this issue effectively through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and businesses alike.
